Local News

Kyle Holloway appointed to board

No comments on officer suspension

On Wednesday, the Wiggins Board of Trustees appointed Kyle Holloway to fill the vacancy on the board.

Holloway had served on the board since April of 2013, but had run for the mayor's seat. Mayor Margarito "Mac" Leon Jr. won that election, which left Holloway off the board.

Holloway was one of three people who had given the board letters of intent with an interest in serving on the board.

The others were Mark Weinstein and Robert Pachek.

Holloway received three votes from trustees Joe Klausner, Mary Ellen Mercer and Chris Sandoval; Weinstein received two votes from Heide Gray and Justin Ryan; and Pachek received one vote from Leon.

Klausner asked the candidates why they did not run in the election, and what had changed their minds.

Pachek said that he had been on the fence about serving for a long time, but as he looked at how the town has been run he decided he wanted to take part.

He wondered if the town would have more balance if decisions were made at the coffee shop.

Pachek also wondered when the board will start looking at the good of the town.

One audience member said that it seemed like certain board members had a vested interest in who is on the board.

Police officer

A crowd packed the meeting with comments on water issues, and mostly on what is happening with Wiggins Police Officer Les Jacobs.

However, the board did not take comments on the Jacobs issues.

Wiggins Town Attorney Melinda Culley recommended that the board not take comments.

She said that while she understood people's interest, the board could not take any action right now.

Personnel matters are considered confidential under state law.

"It's really not ripe for discussion at this point," Culley said.

Trustees should not be talking about the issues at this time, since it is like an ex parte communication, which is not proper, she said.

Police Officer Les Jacobs was suspended with pay two weeks ago and will remain on suspension until an internal investigation is completed, said Wiggins Town Administrator Jim Musgrave last week.However, Police Chief Leroy Dilka is on duty, having taken care of issues with the state, Musgrave said.

Water

Residents also complained about access to water, asking why there is not enough water to sprinkle their lawns, when fire hydrants will be tested and when the water that the town is pursuing will be available.

They were told that 17 water shares are going through the process of a substitute water plan and Water Court, but it will be a while before water from those shares is available.

Musgrave said the town has enough water for its current needs by blending the old water source with the new water source as long as the town stays on current water restrictions.

Currently, the town is mixing the water so it has 38 percent old water, he said.

One resident asked if that meant that the town had enough water as long as it did not use water, which received approval from the crowd.

Water restrictions allow even numbered addresses to use sprinklers on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and odd numbered addresses to sprinkle on Wednesdays and Sundays. Those who set up their sprinklers may water from 6 to 10 p.m. Those with automatic sprinkler systems may water from midnight to 4 a.m.

Some also wondered why the town is using water on the main town park while residents cannot sprinkle their lawns.

That is old water, and there is enough of that to use at the park, Musgrave said.

The old water is not good for use without being mixed with new water.

Although the town made a deal for 17 more water shares, it will take time for those to go through the state process.

Wiggins cannot use that water until the state approves a substitute water plan.